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Last Updated
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Chiapas Waterfalls
by Ron Mader
Ready to get wet? |
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| The first major town
is Ocosingo, 86 kilometers (53 miles) from San Cristóbal
and 95 kilometers (59 miles) from Palenque. According to Russell
Greenberg, ornithologist and director of the Smithsonian Migratory
Bird Center, more than 140 species of birds have been found
in the shaded, traditionally managed coffee farms of Ocosingo.
In stark contrast, research done in other countries shows only
five or six species inhabiting full-sun coffee fields.
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| Agua Azul National Park is located on
Highway 199, 45 kilometers (28 miles) south of Palenque
and 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Ocosingo. This national
park was designated as such for its indescribable beauty. The
falls are formed by the indigo-blue Yax River cascading down
a staircase of 500 individual falls. There is a swimming area,
and the water is warm. Be careful -- whirlpools and underwater
currents can be fatal.
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| Agua Clara is a relatively new project,
established in the summer of 1996, that seeks to restore former
pasture and protect the existing forest. It lies just 8 kilometers
(5 miles) from Agua Azul National Park and 58 kilometers (36
miles) west of Palenque. The ranch is right on the Shumulha
River and is accessible from the highway to Ocosingo. Guests
may rent kayaks and small boats to explore the river or trek
2 kilometers (1.2 miles) through the reserve to a quiet natural
pool created by the confluence of the Tulija and Shumulha Rivers.
Optional tours include horseback rides to the town of La Junta,
where the Shumulha and Tulija Rivers join. You can also hire
a guide for bird-watching.
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| The waterfalls at Misol-Ha are about
20 kilometers (12 miles) from Palenque.
They stand at an impressive 40 meters (131 feet) high. This
location is less touristy than Agua Azul, but it's definitely
not isolated. Watch your step on the slippery trail to the natural
pool and falls. From a distance the mist generated from the
waterfalls seems to hide the attraction from view, but you'll
hear the roar of the falls. Amenities here include a restaurant
and lodging. |
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TIPS -- If you're visiting the waterfalls, be sure to
bring a bathing suit!
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